Which accessory reduces scatter radiation to the patient during radiographic examination?

• A. Lead apron at patient foot
• B. Transparent patient dressing
• C. Collimator
• D. Bucky tray

Answer: (C)

Collimation is the key because it limits the x-ray beam to the exact area of interest. By reducing the field size, fewer tissues are irradiated, which means less scatter is produced and less scattered radiation can reach the image receptor. This also improves image contrast and lowers patient dose.

The other items don’t directly reduce scatter within the patient or at the detector: a lead apron at the foot provides shielding for outside areas but doesn’t change the amount of tissue irradiated or the scatter generated; a transparent dressing has no effect on radiation; and a Bucky tray is simply a support for the image receptor, not a device that reduces scatter.